Components and Architecture
This topic outlines the components and architecture of the Switch Framework (SFW).
The Switch Framework consists of three main components in a hierarchy: a business function set, a business function, and a switch. In the Switch Framework:
- A business function set corresponds to an industry solution and is a group of business functions
- A business function is a self-contained function from a business perspective and consists of a set of switches
- A switch is a repository object that controls the visibility of other repository objects.
Switch Framework Components
It is possible to have child-parent relationships between the main components of the Switch Framework. Not only can you assign switches to business functions and business functions to business function sets, you also can assign business function sets to business functions and switches to business functions. Business function sets can be nested and can have superordinate and subordinate business function sets.
All three components of the Switch Framework are transportable units and you manage them in separate maintenance transactions . They also have the normal version management accessible via the menu path Utilities → Versions → Version Management.
The figure below shows the basic architecture of the Switch Framework:
Switch Framework Architecture
On the left, there are the business functions sets, and on the right you see the existing code bases of industry solutions in the repository. Between the business function sets and the packages are the technical switches. A switch stands for a collection of development objects to be "switched on".
Different development objects may be associated with the same switch. Turning on a business function is typically a customizing activity in the implementation phase of the system.
It is the business function that is switched on, not the switch itself.
See also: